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Walk This Way
Not yet published
Expected 18 Mar 26A deliciously sweet opposites attract, slow-burn romance set in the Scottish Highlands.
Two broken hearts. One long walk.
Rowan Turner doesn’t believe in taking risks. Not in work, not in relationships, not at all. Until one day she comes home to find her safe, uninspiring boyfriend cheating on her in their bed. Suddenly the safe route doesn’t seem so safe, after all.
Angus McKenzie is barely getting by. Ever since his Da died and left him the family farm, he’s been struggling keep himself – or the farm – afloat. All he knows is that everyone leaves. And he’s done getting hurt when they do.
When the two find themselves hiking side-by-side in the Scottish Highlands on the way to the same wedding, sparks unexpectedly fly. But as they face down walking a hundred miles, will either of them risk the greater letting someone else in?
Two broken hearts. One long walk.
Rowan Turner doesn’t believe in taking risks. Not in work, not in relationships, not at all. Until one day she comes home to find her safe, uninspiring boyfriend cheating on her in their bed. Suddenly the safe route doesn’t seem so safe, after all.
Angus McKenzie is barely getting by. Ever since his Da died and left him the family farm, he’s been struggling keep himself – or the farm – afloat. All he knows is that everyone leaves. And he’s done getting hurt when they do.
When the two find themselves hiking side-by-side in the Scottish Highlands on the way to the same wedding, sparks unexpectedly fly. But as they face down walking a hundred miles, will either of them risk the greater letting someone else in?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 18, 2026
45 people want to read
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February 4, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Lexi, for the advanced copy of this gorgeous love story.
If you want a cosy, easy read with funny, relatable characters, this book is for you. I loved getting to know Rowan and Angus and the whole host of supporting characters as I followed their journey through the West Highland Way. I absolutely plan on channeling Rowan's dopamine dressing habit on days where I need a boost.
I've laughed plenty and definitely teared up at the end! Also, can we talk about that STUNNING cover?
Reading this was an altogether lovely time!
I'm @startanotherchapter on Instagram, for more reviews and bookish content! 🩷
If you want a cosy, easy read with funny, relatable characters, this book is for you. I loved getting to know Rowan and Angus and the whole host of supporting characters as I followed their journey through the West Highland Way. I absolutely plan on channeling Rowan's dopamine dressing habit on days where I need a boost.
I've laughed plenty and definitely teared up at the end! Also, can we talk about that STUNNING cover?
Reading this was an altogether lovely time!
I'm @startanotherchapter on Instagram, for more reviews and bookish content! 🩷
Read
February 15, 2026ARC review: this was such a cute read! It definitely was what I needed during this time of year, to escape to the spring time in the Scottish highlands. I loved seeing the development between FMC and MMC, as well as the other side characters. I also really appreciated the representation and conversations around mental health and grief which was refreshing. All in all this is a feel good read that explores deeper themes but will leave feeling warm and fuzzy at the same time ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Lexi for sending me an arc of this book ✨️
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This was such a cute read and I really enjoyed it. Rowan and Angus was just the sweetest. And I have to say, this cover is absolutely gorgeous, I'm obsessed with it.
I really really enjoyed the Scottish Setting in this book and the hiking. And Angus, a grumpy yet sweet mmc.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞
• Only One Tent
• Opposites Attract
• Scottish Setting
• Mental Health Rep
• Dual POV
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This was such a cute read and I really enjoyed it. Rowan and Angus was just the sweetest. And I have to say, this cover is absolutely gorgeous, I'm obsessed with it.
I really really enjoyed the Scottish Setting in this book and the hiking. And Angus, a grumpy yet sweet mmc.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞
• Only One Tent
• Opposites Attract
• Scottish Setting
• Mental Health Rep
• Dual POV
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scotland is my home away from home. I dream of this place. And that has something to do with walking the West Highland Way. Lexi Vale, a fellow author and walker, had the same intoxicating experience and out came Walk This Way.
Also a fellow hopeless romantic, there’s nothing like dreaming away of luxurious landscapes, in the hope that a buff highland man sweeps you off your feet. And while neither of us experienced this ourselves, we for sure can only dream. Vale has dipped into this fantasy across the pages of her debut novel, evoking the differing scenery of the West Highland Way, while promoting love, friendship and the obstacles we face throughout life.
Out of a break up, Rowan has too many wines and the next day finds herself hurtling north from London to Scotland to walk the 96 miles. Never hiked and always feeling a failure, she goes through emotional roller coasters throughout, reflecting on her life but also becoming stronger. This is helped by the friends she makes along the way and a grumpy but rugged Scot who reluctantly helps her and joins as part of this walking motley crew.
Angus, a highland farmer struggling through life's turmoils and grief, is the grumpy viking-like man we expect, but really is soft as a teddy bear, letting down his walls to let this group of misfits into his life but one particular woman into his heart. The romance between the two flourishes and is something that all us romance lovers look for - not quite love at first sight but certainly an all encompassing love that grows very quickly.
The book extends further than the walk, delving into Rowan’s sister’s wedding and both her and Angus’s life post walk, with some spice and yearning thrown in, it isn’t just a love that develops through a hike but when they see each other in their normal lives… we know it’s true love.
Walk This Way is a fantastic debut novel for Lexi Vale. With some giggles, spice, a whole lot of hopeless romance and the beauty of the West Highlands, it’s hard to put down.
Also a fellow hopeless romantic, there’s nothing like dreaming away of luxurious landscapes, in the hope that a buff highland man sweeps you off your feet. And while neither of us experienced this ourselves, we for sure can only dream. Vale has dipped into this fantasy across the pages of her debut novel, evoking the differing scenery of the West Highland Way, while promoting love, friendship and the obstacles we face throughout life.
Out of a break up, Rowan has too many wines and the next day finds herself hurtling north from London to Scotland to walk the 96 miles. Never hiked and always feeling a failure, she goes through emotional roller coasters throughout, reflecting on her life but also becoming stronger. This is helped by the friends she makes along the way and a grumpy but rugged Scot who reluctantly helps her and joins as part of this walking motley crew.
Angus, a highland farmer struggling through life's turmoils and grief, is the grumpy viking-like man we expect, but really is soft as a teddy bear, letting down his walls to let this group of misfits into his life but one particular woman into his heart. The romance between the two flourishes and is something that all us romance lovers look for - not quite love at first sight but certainly an all encompassing love that grows very quickly.
The book extends further than the walk, delving into Rowan’s sister’s wedding and both her and Angus’s life post walk, with some spice and yearning thrown in, it isn’t just a love that develops through a hike but when they see each other in their normal lives… we know it’s true love.
Walk This Way is a fantastic debut novel for Lexi Vale. With some giggles, spice, a whole lot of hopeless romance and the beauty of the West Highlands, it’s hard to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. It’s one of those stories where you tell yourself “just one more page,” and suddenly hours have passed. The emotional depth, the tension, and especially the character development made this book impossible to put down.
What stood out to me most was how beautifully the characters evolved throughout the story. Every interaction felt purposeful, every setback meaningful. The growth didn’t feel rushed or forced, it unfolded naturally, making the journey feel authentic and deeply satisfying. Watching walls come down and vulnerabilities surface was incredibly rewarding as a reader.
I especially connected with Rowan. There was something so real and relatable about their internal struggles, their hopes, and the way they navigated complicated emotions. Rowan’s perspective felt honest and raw, which made it easy to invest emotionally in every decision and consequence. I found myself rooting for Rowan constantly, celebrating the small victories and aching during the difficult moments.
The emotional tension in the story was perfectly balanced with heartfelt scenes that added warmth and depth. The chemistry between the characters felt genuine, and the dialogue carried both spark and sincerity. It’s the kind of romance that lingers after you finish the final page.
By the end, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The way the story wrapped up left me deeply satisfied, but also desperately hoping there’s more to come. I would absolutely love a book two to continue exploring these characters and their journey. There’s still so much potential, and I’d happily dive back into this world in a heartbeat.
What stood out to me most was how beautifully the characters evolved throughout the story. Every interaction felt purposeful, every setback meaningful. The growth didn’t feel rushed or forced, it unfolded naturally, making the journey feel authentic and deeply satisfying. Watching walls come down and vulnerabilities surface was incredibly rewarding as a reader.
I especially connected with Rowan. There was something so real and relatable about their internal struggles, their hopes, and the way they navigated complicated emotions. Rowan’s perspective felt honest and raw, which made it easy to invest emotionally in every decision and consequence. I found myself rooting for Rowan constantly, celebrating the small victories and aching during the difficult moments.
The emotional tension in the story was perfectly balanced with heartfelt scenes that added warmth and depth. The chemistry between the characters felt genuine, and the dialogue carried both spark and sincerity. It’s the kind of romance that lingers after you finish the final page.
By the end, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The way the story wrapped up left me deeply satisfied, but also desperately hoping there’s more to come. I would absolutely love a book two to continue exploring these characters and their journey. There’s still so much potential, and I’d happily dive back into this world in a heartbeat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Walk This Way
By Lexi Vale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am absolutely head-over-heels for this book! Lexi Vale has written the ultimate "hug in a book" with Walk This Way. I went into this expecting a cute hiking romance, but I walked away with my heart feeling so full. The chemistry between Rowan, our resilient and sunshiney FMC, and Angus, the grumpiest (but most lovable) Scottish farmer you’ll ever meet, is just perfection. Watching them navigate the West Highland Way together was such a joy—their "only one tent" predicament had me squealing, and the banter kept me grinning from ear to ear. It’s the perfect mix of cozy vibes, breathtaking scenery, and that spicy tension that keeps you turning the pages late into the night!
What I loved most was how personal and relatable the emotional journey felt. Rowan and Angus aren’t just characters; they feel like friends you’re rooting for as they heal from their pasts and find their footing again. It’s rare to find a book that handles mental health and grief with such a light, hopeful touch while still giving us all the butterflies of a blossoming romance. If you’re a fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope and want to be transported to the misty, romantic hills of Scotland, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. Or maybe take a trip to Scotland and do some hiking of your own.
10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.
By Lexi Vale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am absolutely head-over-heels for this book! Lexi Vale has written the ultimate "hug in a book" with Walk This Way. I went into this expecting a cute hiking romance, but I walked away with my heart feeling so full. The chemistry between Rowan, our resilient and sunshiney FMC, and Angus, the grumpiest (but most lovable) Scottish farmer you’ll ever meet, is just perfection. Watching them navigate the West Highland Way together was such a joy—their "only one tent" predicament had me squealing, and the banter kept me grinning from ear to ear. It’s the perfect mix of cozy vibes, breathtaking scenery, and that spicy tension that keeps you turning the pages late into the night!
What I loved most was how personal and relatable the emotional journey felt. Rowan and Angus aren’t just characters; they feel like friends you’re rooting for as they heal from their pasts and find their footing again. It’s rare to find a book that handles mental health and grief with such a light, hopeful touch while still giving us all the butterflies of a blossoming romance. If you’re a fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope and want to be transported to the misty, romantic hills of Scotland, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. Or maybe take a trip to Scotland and do some hiking of your own.
10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked with this book from the beginning! I love short chapters and duel POV’s are my favourite. Lexi Vale made this book lighthearted and so easy to read. I loved this romance story and I was routing for the characters from day one of the hike!
I enjoyed how this story developed and the side plot of the wedding. It made it interesting and fun to read. It is ‘dislike’ to lovers which was entertaining, and I was sat giggling to myself in some parts of this book. I ended up reading this in 3 days!☺️
It is about a woman going on a hike to get out of her comfort zone and try something new. She made some amazing friends on the way and a lover🤭 and had her own personal growth journey! The male POV spoke about his own struggles in life and how nature helped him breathe when times became tough. I loved every single character and I am so happy that I was able to read this book before its release date. Thank you! I am so excited for this book to be released!🫶🩷
The only reason why it wasn’t a 5⭐️ read for me was because it had some spicy chapters which are my own personal preference of not enjoying. But the book as a whole is wonderful and can be an easy 5⭐️ for others who enjoy that! I highly recommend this one if you want a lighthearted romance read with some spice🌶️, character growth, dislike to lovers, grumpy sunshine & all in a gorgeous Scottish setting😌
I enjoyed how this story developed and the side plot of the wedding. It made it interesting and fun to read. It is ‘dislike’ to lovers which was entertaining, and I was sat giggling to myself in some parts of this book. I ended up reading this in 3 days!☺️
It is about a woman going on a hike to get out of her comfort zone and try something new. She made some amazing friends on the way and a lover🤭 and had her own personal growth journey! The male POV spoke about his own struggles in life and how nature helped him breathe when times became tough. I loved every single character and I am so happy that I was able to read this book before its release date. Thank you! I am so excited for this book to be released!🫶🩷
The only reason why it wasn’t a 5⭐️ read for me was because it had some spicy chapters which are my own personal preference of not enjoying. But the book as a whole is wonderful and can be an easy 5⭐️ for others who enjoy that! I highly recommend this one if you want a lighthearted romance read with some spice🌶️, character growth, dislike to lovers, grumpy sunshine & all in a gorgeous Scottish setting😌
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Lexi for the ARC!!! 🙌 This is such a lovely read 🥰 Rowan and Angus are great characters - wonderfully flawed, insecure and authentic.
Rowan is outwardly cheerful and colourful, but feels like a perpetual failure who’d rather run than risk losing anything. Angus is outwardly stoic and grumpy, but feels like he’s at fault for everything after his family fell apart and is scared to want anything for himself.
They meet on a hike - one Angus does to remember his dad, and one Rowan booked on a drunken whim to prove she could do something hard.
Their chemistry is really fun to read, and their little hiking found family of Lila, Priya and Ewan are so cute I absolutely loved it. The dialogue felt genuine, and it was funny and heartwarming. All the good things!
Books like this remind how much I love finding work by British authors. There’s just something about reading stories based in places you know, with characters who speak like you or people you love. There’s a line where Ewan says “Where the fucking bejeezus did you come from?” and honestly it cracked me up.
There are some typos and missed prepositions in this - so the editing job could have been done better - but it’s an indie debut so I’m not gonna put too much stock in that. And it is a really good debut novel!
Rowan is outwardly cheerful and colourful, but feels like a perpetual failure who’d rather run than risk losing anything. Angus is outwardly stoic and grumpy, but feels like he’s at fault for everything after his family fell apart and is scared to want anything for himself.
They meet on a hike - one Angus does to remember his dad, and one Rowan booked on a drunken whim to prove she could do something hard.
Their chemistry is really fun to read, and their little hiking found family of Lila, Priya and Ewan are so cute I absolutely loved it. The dialogue felt genuine, and it was funny and heartwarming. All the good things!
Books like this remind how much I love finding work by British authors. There’s just something about reading stories based in places you know, with characters who speak like you or people you love. There’s a line where Ewan says “Where the fucking bejeezus did you come from?” and honestly it cracked me up.
There are some typos and missed prepositions in this - so the editing job could have been done better - but it’s an indie debut so I’m not gonna put too much stock in that. And it is a really good debut novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75
I am not ashamed to say that I’m here because of the cute cover and the kilt-moment that the author promised 😌
This was a cute romance!
It took me a minute to get into the story, but once both main characters and also the side characters opened up and you got to know everyone a bit better, the book also seemed to make more sense.
The characters in general all worked really great together and I knoooow I should be rooting for the couple, but I was a biiiiig fan of little Priya!
The chemistry between Rowan & Angus started off good and got better over the course of the book. The pacing and the whole atmosphere were also really great!
The book took place over a week and this isn’t really much time to fall so heavily for someone, so not sure how I feel about them being so into each other so fast.
Both main characters had their personal issues regarding different topics and while some of that was resolved throughout the second half, it was nice seeing them, basically, figuring it out.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for a review. All opinions are my own.
I am not ashamed to say that I’m here because of the cute cover and the kilt-moment that the author promised 😌
This was a cute romance!
It took me a minute to get into the story, but once both main characters and also the side characters opened up and you got to know everyone a bit better, the book also seemed to make more sense.
The characters in general all worked really great together and I knoooow I should be rooting for the couple, but I was a biiiiig fan of little Priya!
The chemistry between Rowan & Angus started off good and got better over the course of the book. The pacing and the whole atmosphere were also really great!
The book took place over a week and this isn’t really much time to fall so heavily for someone, so not sure how I feel about them being so into each other so fast.
Both main characters had their personal issues regarding different topics and while some of that was resolved throughout the second half, it was nice seeing them, basically, figuring it out.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for a review. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2026
Thank you Lexi for the arc!!
I absolutely loved this story. I loved Angus and Rowan and the whole cast of characters.
I read this in one day, seriously couldn’t put it down!
Rowan and Angus had the best chemistry. I loved their relationship. Both of them had a lot to work through before they could be together, and I think this was such a realistic relationship to read about. Truly the definition of “if you love something set it free, and if it comes back it was meant to be.”
We all knew Angus and Rowan were end game, but sometimes timing isn’t always right. BUT we do get a happy ending! One of my new favorite book couples.
I seriously loved how grumpy and what a softie Angus was. The whole first part of the book about the five day hike was so cute.
And again, the whole cast of characters was so heartwarming. I loved the dynamic between Ewan, Lila, and Priya. So adorable!
Walk This Way comes out March 18th! Check it out!
I absolutely loved this story. I loved Angus and Rowan and the whole cast of characters.
I read this in one day, seriously couldn’t put it down!
Rowan and Angus had the best chemistry. I loved their relationship. Both of them had a lot to work through before they could be together, and I think this was such a realistic relationship to read about. Truly the definition of “if you love something set it free, and if it comes back it was meant to be.”
We all knew Angus and Rowan were end game, but sometimes timing isn’t always right. BUT we do get a happy ending! One of my new favorite book couples.
I seriously loved how grumpy and what a softie Angus was. The whole first part of the book about the five day hike was so cute.
And again, the whole cast of characters was so heartwarming. I loved the dynamic between Ewan, Lila, and Priya. So adorable!
Walk This Way comes out March 18th! Check it out!
February 10, 2026
Well this book just melted me into a puddle of emotions. What a perfect book that felt like the biggest hug. I had no clue that a book about hiking through Scotland would have me feeling so many feelings.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book and loved watching the love grow between Rowan and Angus. I loved the humor and lessons from all the side characters. I appreciated the representation of struggling with life and feeling like a failure, or like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
And in my own personal opinion, I highly recommend googling pictures of the west highland way while reading this book. That really made me feel like I was walking this trail too.
10/10. No notes.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book and loved watching the love grow between Rowan and Angus. I loved the humor and lessons from all the side characters. I appreciated the representation of struggling with life and feeling like a failure, or like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
And in my own personal opinion, I highly recommend googling pictures of the west highland way while reading this book. That really made me feel like I was walking this trail too.
10/10. No notes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
I LOVED this book! The pacing was perfect, I was hooked from the very first page! While reading, there was not one time I wanted to stop or got bored with the information and story.💕
The characters were relatable! They talk about their feelings and mental health issues. I especially loved the side characters! They brought so much to the story. If they had their own books, I would read them all!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a cozy romance!
Rating: 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
•All opinions are my own•
I LOVED this book! The pacing was perfect, I was hooked from the very first page! While reading, there was not one time I wanted to stop or got bored with the information and story.💕
The characters were relatable! They talk about their feelings and mental health issues. I especially loved the side characters! They brought so much to the story. If they had their own books, I would read them all!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a cozy romance!
Rating: 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
•All opinions are my own•
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored these characters and this story!! Each with their own trauma or grief they were going through and somehow ended up together on this amazing hike. Sometimes you just truly need a group of totally random people to help make your experience that much better. For this being Lexi's debut novel I have to say she wrote like a well seasoned author, it was beautifully done. I will absolutely be reading more from her as she continues on with her author journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW.
Rowan is a hugely relatable character. She is self reliant, stuck in a rut and is generally having a pretty tough time with life right now. The main message I took from the story is that sometimes moving forward physically is the only way to start healing emotionally.
Angus- what a man. Competent, emotionally aware, outdoorsy, protective. I love it when the grump guy facade starts melting and we see the true man inside.
Also love the found family. Such a cute band is misfits!
Rowan is a hugely relatable character. She is self reliant, stuck in a rut and is generally having a pretty tough time with life right now. The main message I took from the story is that sometimes moving forward physically is the only way to start healing emotionally.
Angus- what a man. Competent, emotionally aware, outdoorsy, protective. I love it when the grump guy facade starts melting and we see the true man inside.
Also love the found family. Such a cute band is misfits!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Lexi for allowing me to read an ARC of her debut novel.
Angus & Rowan’s story was so sweet. I loved the banter and the yearning they both developed for each other. The supporting characters really added to the found-family trope and had compelling storylines.
Tropes
- one tent
- city girl, country boy
- opposites attract
- found family
Angus & Rowan’s story was so sweet. I loved the banter and the yearning they both developed for each other. The supporting characters really added to the found-family trope and had compelling storylines.
Tropes
- one tent
- city girl, country boy
- opposites attract
- found family
Review of advance copy received from Author
oooooh. I'm obsessed. absolutely fell in love with all of these characters. a real wholesome, found family romance (with some decidedly not family-friendly but excellent scenes too!). what a gorgeous story... now. where do I find my grumpy Scottish Hiker? 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
A funny grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity romance set on the west highland way…..
I absolutely loved it, some more unique characters thrown into the group. Once I started reading it I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I absolutely loved it, some more unique characters thrown into the group. Once I started reading it I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
February 14, 2026
A super sweet and cozy read, loved the MC’s and their growth!
February 18, 2026
4⭐️ — Review to be updated
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